The member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State at the National Assembly, Sesi Whingan, has debunked rumours making the rounds of his involvement in the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol from Badagry to the neighbouring countries of Ghana and Togo.
This was contained in a press statement made available to our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital on Saturday by his Senior Legislative Aide, Faruk Tunga.
The statement noted that in recent days, a video had circulated on social media alleging that Whingan was involved in fuel smuggling from Badagry in Lagos State to Ghana and Togo, adding that certain individuals also accused the House of Representatives member of operating with impunity because he has the support of the National Security Adviser.
Refuting the allegations on behalf of his principal, Tunga said Whingan has never participated in, nor endorsed any smuggling activities, noting that his only involvement in the matter was his role in reading and laying before the House of Representatives, a petition authored by the Lagos State Youth Frontiers for the Advancement of Peace and Democracy, which aims to investigate the detrimental impacts of smuggling on legitimate trade and the livelihoods of border communities, particularly along the Seme corridor.
He narrated that recognising the far-reaching consequences of illicit trade, the lawmaker responsibly moved a motion calling for a comprehensive probe into the operations of the Nigerian Customs Service, including its Comptroller General and other key officials, explaining that the motion was crafted solely to enhance transparency, restore public trust, and secure the economic and social well-being of Nigeria.
“As a son of the soil and by privilege, a representative of a border community, Hon. Whingan has witnessed firsthand the economic struggles of his constituents, especially the youths. Many of whom have historically relied on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.
“Badagry, a historic border town, has long served as a gateway for legitimate commerce between Nigeria and its neighbours. However, the prolonged closure of the Nigeria–Benin border, particularly along the Seme-Badagry corridor since August 2019, has severely disrupted this economic lifeline, plunging our communities into poverty and depriving our youths of vital opportunities.
